EAGE NEWSLETTER

ASIA PACIFIC

Issue-2 2013

Time to effect change on a global scale 2014; the Student Lecture Tour is returning to Asia Pacific after a successful first run in 2012;

Gladys Gonzales EAGE president 2013-2014

D

uring my term of office I look forward to channelling my energies into the leadership of EAGE, and have chosen as the theme for the year ‘Making a difference on a global scale − narrowing the gap’. This refers to the need to narrow the gap between geoscience and engineering disciplines; professional development across the regions; academic and industry efforts to develop emerging technologies to address society’s needs; helping young professionals and women in career development; addressing professional degrees and professional occupation; and dialogue with active and inactive members. Most EAGE members received part of their education in their native countries, while others studied and worked in overseas during their careers. But our members are definitely professionals with a global presence. I believe tapping into the strengths of the different regions will help to narrow the gap. I also would like to continue to work with sister and local societies and explore where our Association can make a difference in narrowing gaps. To that end, planned initiatives include multidisciplinary conferences, workshops and programmes in partnership with other geoscience and engineering societies. There will also be analysis of how members participate in EAGE committees, events and ballots. In the Asia Pacific region, we will organize a brand new joint conference on ‘Petrophysics Meets Geoscience’ with FESM in Kuala Lumpur on 17−18 February

we also continue our cooperation with our sister societies for the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) in Kuala Lumpur on 10−12 December 2014; and there is much more, the details of which can be found in this newsletter. Not only Asia Pacific, but all the regions have outstanding professionals that deserve worldwide recognition for their achievements. Therefore, I would like EAGE members to recognize these outstanding members for their contribution to geoscience and related engineering by sending nominations to the EAGE Awards Committee. Today, of the 10 EAGE Board members, three are women in key officer positions (an increase from only one in the period 2006−2011). I think we are moving in the right direction. But there is plenty of room for improvement! We need to start looking at the number of women getting the relevant degrees, and for those that do not end up working in the industry or academia, we need to find out why? For example, the majority of papers are still presented by men and the question is why women do not participate more? We have talented professional women in all regions, but I do not believe in imposing quotas for the equal representation of women on the board or committees. This was also the unanimous conclusion from 65 participants at our first ‘Women in Geoscience’ event that took place during the 75th Annual Meeting in London. Female representation should be a natural process. Between the very strong Board I have the fortune to be leading, the excellent staff in our Business offices, and of course you, the members, we can go beyond the barrier of distance and language to partner in our common objective of promoting the innovative development and application of geoscience and engineering.

Kuala Lumpur to welcome EAGE/ FESM joint regional conference in February 2014!

T

he first joint regional conference between the EAGE and the Formation Evaluation Society of Malaysia, aptly entitled ‘Petrophysics Meets Geoscience’, is coming to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 17−18 February. This will be an event to savour, not only because a local meeting of these subsurface professional groups is long overdue, but also because along with the main technical programme there are short courses, a site visit and field trip plus a very appetizing social programme! The conference itself will consist of one stream of oral presentations, a dedicated poster session and a panel discussion. High quality papers will be presented on topics covering what truly matters for the petrophysical and geological subsurface communities. The social programme of the conference tees off on Sunday 16 February for those Read more on p. 2 ➤

What's inside Experience the Energy in Amsterdam

3

Integration workshop for Singapore

4

KL hosts big technical meeting

5

Industry News

9

And more …

EAGE UPDATE

Kuala Lumpur to welcome EAGE/FESM joint regional conference in February 2014! Continued from p. 1

delegates interested in some golf, starting early in the morning. For those who prefer to sleep in, there will be an opportunity to attend an outstanding 90 minutes afternoon concert performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra performing The World of Gustav Mahler, featuring ‘Mahler’s First’. Concert tickets can be purchased separately from our event website. Later on Sunday the regional conference will be officially opened with a traditional welcome cocktail reception at 19:00 hrs at the Convention Centre. A special conference dinner will be held on Monday 17 February in the Saloma Bistro & Theatre Restaurant providing an opportunity to enjoy an evening of Malaysian hospitality and cultural entertainment. Saloma takes you on a gastronomic experience where wonderful aromas and flavours showcase ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ cuisine. A choice of short courses and a site visit are on offer on Wednesday 19 February in and around Kuala Lumpur and an interesting field trip on the beautiful island of Borneo has been organized.

EAGE Newsletter Asia Pacific Publications & Communications Manager Marcel van Loon (ml@eage.org) Regional Manager Asia Pacific Gerard Wieggerink (gw@eage.org) Publications Coordinator Marjolein van Kraanen (mws@eage.org) Account Manager Advertising Peter Leitner (plr@eage.org) Production Co Productions bv (contact@coproductions.nl) Asia Pacific Office EAGE Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. UOA Centre Office Suite 19-15-3A No. 19, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603 2722 0140 Fax: 603 2722 0143 E-mail: asiapacific@eage.org Website: www.eage.org Submission of articles (mws@eage.org) Newsletter on the Web (www.eage.org)

2

Malaysian cultural performance.

One short course is ‘Rock Physics for Quantitative Seismic Interpretation’, presented by Dr Mark Sams and sponsored by IKON Science. The course provides an introduction to the basic knowledge of rock physics and the rock physics tools and workflows employed for quantitative seismic interpretation. The other course is a local favourite, ‘Core

A local meeting of these subsurface professional groups is long overdue. Analysis: A Best Practice Guide’ given by Colin McPhee, sponsored by Senergy. This industryleading, fully independent one-day training course provides participants with an overview of the best practice acquisition, evaluation and special SCAL core analysis data from the end user’s perspective. On completion, participants will be better placed to appreciate the importance of quality core analysis in integrated studies. Also on offer is a very welcome short course geared to young professionals on ‘Imaging Log

Interpretation’ by Hon Prof Peter Lloyd. It is designed for those student and young professionals in the geosciences, and engineering that wish to analyze and integrate image log and dip data to enhance their understanding of exploration plays and field development. Then there is the site visit. If you’ve never been to a core storage, don’t miss out on this opportunity to visit the PETRONAS Core Warehouse facilitated by Dr Budi Kantaatmadja (PETRONAS PMU). It is a rare and unique opportunity to view some of the best examples of the structural geology of the region. In addition, a two-day Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) field trip will be led by Dr Ralph Kugler (University of Malaya). This departs Kuala Lumpur for Miri the evening before the start of the trip and includes localities in Miri, the Lambir Hills and Niah Caves National Park which are analogous to aspects of offshore clastic and carbonate reservoirs in the Baram Delta and Luconia Provinces. Aspects of sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy and structure relative to petrophysics will be discussed in the area where the Malaysian petroleum industry began. For more information and to register for this exciting event, please visit www.eage.org or for enquiries, please contact the EAGE Asia Pacific Office via asiapacific@eage.org or at +60 3 2722 0140.

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

EAGE UPDATE

Amsterdam ‘14: Experience the Energy!

I

f you want to ‘Experience the Energy’ there is no better way than coming to Amsterdam in June next year for our Annual Meeting. Adopting this theme for EAGE’s 76th Conference & Exhibition is an invitation to

Special programme for students

meet fellow professionals, catch up with old friends, share experiences, and at the same time appreciate and learn from the breadth and depth of geoscience and engineering activities around the world. And what location could be more convivial than Amsterdam, one of our most popular venues. The main business of the meeting is of course how the multi-disciplinary approach to oil and gas exploration and production fostered by EAGE can contribute to meeting the energy demands of the future. The role of fossil fuels and increasingly low emission carbon fuels are set to continue for decades in the global energy system simply by virtue of the investment needed for any alternatives to scale up to meet the demand. ‘Experience’ will play an essential role in providing the solutions. A major priority is to build on the experience of our current workforce and sharing this experience with new generations of professionals who need to be brought up to speed as rapidly as possible. It is already very clear that manpower shortage could be a major issue in the years to come, which is why we put such an emphasis on the Amsterdam ‘14 Student Programme and associated activities to encourage new recruits into the industry.

Mumbai is venue for first broadband workshop in India

1

After the success and record number of student delegates during London ’13, it is only logical that the expectations are high for the Amsterdam ’14 Student Programme. With the theme ‘Create your Energy’, the Student Programme promises some interesting activities and challenges in order to complement this theme. For sure it will be a balanced programme with lots of opportunities to learn, network and have fun! The Student Programme will include the Geo-Quiz, workshops, a field trip to Bad Bentheim (Germany), a short course, the Recruitment Café, trial interviews, poster presentations, the student evening and much more. Call for Papers is now open, so this is your opportunity to be included in the Amsterdam ’14 programme! Travel grants are available on www.eage.org. Curious about our sponsoring opportunities? Send an e-mail to students@eage.org.

2

3

4

5

6 7

8 9

10 11 12

13

14

Beside the water in Mumbai. 15

E

AGE Asia Pacific together with SPG are proud to announce the first joint workshop on broadband seismic to be held in Mumbai, India, scheduled for April 2014 (exact dates are to be confirmed soon). The workshop format will allow for a lot of interesting discussion and debate on the promise of broadband seismic. Speakers are being invited to present at this workshop. If you are interested in joining us as a speaker, please contact the EAGE Asia Pacific office at asiapacific@eage.org. Several sponsorship opportunities are available and interested companies can contact us at asiapacific@eage.org. For the latest information, please visit our website www.eage.org.

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

16 17 18 19

ACROSS 4. Minerals or igneous rocks that are rich in iron and/or magnesium. 6. A branch of geology dealing with the classification, nomenclature, correlation, and interpretation of stratified rocks. 8. The consolidation of sediments resulting from the weight of overlying deposits. 10. Formation from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms. 12. The frequency, intensity, and distribution of earthquakes in a given area. 13. Of, containing, or resembling calcium carbonate. 15. A subterranean accumulation of oil or gas held in porous and permeable sedimentary rock. 16. An episode of mountain building and/or intense rock deformation. 17. Forms in metamorphic rocks at moderate temperature and high pressure. 18. A thin, widespread layer of sediment covering an older surface. 19. Downslope movement of rock, soil, and mud.

DOWN 1. Rainwater from the surface seeps through the ground, absorbing calcium ..........along the way. 2. The name given to molten rock from volcanoes. 3. Place where earthquakes starts. 5. A point, directly above the true centre of disturbance, from which the shock waves of an earthquake apparently radiate. 7. A large body of intrusive igneous rock believed to have crystallized at a considerable depth below the earth’s surface; pluton. 9. The physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between the times of deposition and solidification. 11. The science that deals with water on and beneath the Earth surface. 14. A mound of organic debris or organic-rich soil created by an animal.

See answer p. 5

3

EAGE UPDATE

Singapore workshop to focus on ‘Integrated Interpretation of Seismic, EM and Geochemical Data’

E

AGE has launched a workshop on ‘Integrated Interpretation of Seismic, EM and Geochemical Data’ to be held from 31 March to 2 April 2014 in Singapore. The workshop is aimed at geoscientists and exploration managers of E&P companies and practitioners in government agencies and academia, with the idea of presenting new developments in integrated geophysical imaging and geochemical interpretation of the subsurface, with emphasis on real-life applications relevant to hydrocarbon exploration in frontier regions that are ‘geologically unfriendly’. In recent times, multi-dimensional fullphysics modelling and simultaneous inversion of geophysical measurements from methods based on fundamentally different phenomena (e.g., wave phenomenon in seismics and diffusion phenomenon in CSEM), have allowed a major advance in our ability to characterize geological heterogeneity or map complex reservoirs at different spatial scales. Joint interpre-

tation, inversion methods and image-guided inversion are beginning to produce models that are in better accord and closer to the true target property distribution than separate inversions of data from single methods. Lately, advances in structural and non-structural approaches to joint interpretation and inversion now make it possible to objectively combine a variety of field data to generate subsurface images with improved accuracy and structural or petrophysical conformity. The conveners of the workshop, Maxwell Meju (PETRONAS Carigali) and Len Srnka (The University of California, San Diego and former EAGE president) are inviting contributions involving, but not limited to: the development of realistic coupled multi-physics-based or integrated predictive models of subsurface reservoirs; joint inversion approaches especially for full-waveform seismic, electromagnetic, and potential field data and their applications in characterizing the top 5 km of the subsur-

face; improved structural, lithological, petrophysical, and geohazard predictions (including over-pressure) underpinned by integrated data analysis or joint inversion; computational approaches to handling large volume data in 3D joint geoscientific inversion, and integration of seabed geochemistry with seismic and CSEM exploration data.

Emphasis on real-life applications relevant to ‘geologically unfriendly’ frontier regions. Should you be interested in presenting or sponsoring, kindly contact the EAGE Asia Pacific office at asiapacific@eage.org.

Leon Thomsen is coming to town!

D

istinguished geoscientist Leon Thomsen is visiting Kuala Lumpur on 14–15 November 2013. He is to present a two-day course on ‘Understanding Seismic Anisotropy in Exploration and Exploitation: Hands On’. He promises to cover all areas of

Full class for Leon Thomsen’s course on seismic anisotropy.

4

applied seismic anisotropy, with class exercises, and ample time for full discussion. Because anisotropy is such a fundamental concept, it covers topics in seismic acquisition, processing, imaging, and interpretation, all based on seismic rock physics. This is not a ‘methods course’, but rather is a ‘concept course’, familiarizing participants with essential concepts, enabling them to ask the right questions in future conversations, rather than to operate particular software packages. EAGE is inviting the participation of geophysicists who have a working knowledge of conventional exploration geophysics, and wonder how isotropic concepts can be used to acquire and analyze data that come from rocks that, only after brief thoughtful consideration, must clearly be anisotropic.

Leon Thomsen is the chief scientist at Delta Geophysics, research professor at the University of Houston, and visiting scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He holds a BS in geophysics from California Institute of Technology (Pasadena), and a PhD in geophysics from Columbia University (New York). He has held post-doctoral positions at Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (Paris), International Business Machines (Palo Alto), and Caltech. He was assistant, then associate professor at the State University of New York (Binghamton), with sabbatical positions at Goddard Institute for Space Studies (New York) and the Australian National University (Canberra). Registration to attend this course is now open! To register, please visit the Learning Geoscience website at www.lg.eage.org.

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

EAGE UPDATE

Kuala Lumpur prepares for industry leaders’ world class technical conference

T

he eighth edition of the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) will be held 10-12 December 2014 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Returning to Kuala Lumpur for the second time, this edition of IPTC will be hosted by Malaysia’s national oil company – PETRONAS and co-hosted by Shell and Schlumberger. The Call for Papers is now open for abstract submission under the theme of ‘Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy’. More than 1500 technical papers are expected to be submitted for consideration at the largest multisociety oil and gas event in the Eastern Hemisphere. The combined strengths of IPTC’s four sponsoring societies, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), will ensure a balanced technical programme covering geoscience, subsurface and surface en-

gineering. Over 8000 participants from around the globe including industry leaders, professionals, decision and policy makers, as well as senior government officials and NGO representatives will converge on Kuala Lumpur. In addition to a CEO Plenary Session on 10 December 2014, a technology leaders plenary session themed ‘Leveraging Technology: Current Challenges and Opportunities for the Future’ and an executive plenary session with the theme ‘State of the Industry: Game Changing Technologies’ will take place on 11 and 12 December 2014 respectively. Four panel sessions have been designed to focus on current industry issues and are programmed around the conference theme through focal topics such as ‘Are We Delivering Fit for Purpose Oil & Gas Fields Developments?’; ‘How to Deliver HSSE and Operational Excellence?’; ‘What are the Challenges and Opportunities in Conventional vs Unconventional Oil & Gas?’; and ‘Collaboration, Outsourcing or Building Internal Capabilities? Lessons Learnt!’.

Crossword solution (from p. 3) 1

Carbonate - Rainwater from the surface seeps through the ground, absorbing calcium ..........

2

Magma - The name given to molten rock from volcanoes.

3

Focus - Place where earthquakes start.

4

Mafic - Minerals or igneous rocks that are rich in iron and/or magnesium.

5

Epicenter - A point, directly above the true center of disturbance, from which the shock waves of

6

Geochemistry - A branch of geology dealing with the classification, nomenclature, correlation,

7

Batholith - A large body of intrusive igneous rock believed to have crystallized at a considerable

8

Compaction - The consolidation of sediments resulting from the weight of overlying deposits.

9

Diagenesis - The physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between the times of

along the way.

an earthquake apparently radiate. and interpretation of stratified rocks. depth below the earth’s surface; pluton.

deposition and solidification. 10 Sedimentation - Formation from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms. 11 Hydrology - The science that deals with water on and beneath the Earth surface. 12 Seismicity - The frequency, intensity, and distribution of earthquakes in a given area. 13 Calcareous - Of, containing, or resembling calcium carbonate. 14 Midden - A mound of organic debris or organic-rich soil created by an animal. 15 Reservoir - A subterranean accumulation of oil or gas held in porous and permeable sedimentary rock. 16 Orogeny - An episode of mountain building and/or intense rock deformation. 17 Kyanite - Forms in metamorphic rocks at moderate temperature and high pressure. 18 Veneer - A thin, widespread layer of sediment covering an older surface. 19 Landslide - Downslope movement of rock, soil, and mud.

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

With a multi-sector exhibit area of of more than 4500 m2, this event will showcase the latest technological advancements, innovations and achievements from various countries. Other highlights such as Young Professionals Workshop; Education Week; Education Days and Teachers’ Day will also be held in conjunction with the conference and exhibition. These elements will bring young professionals, international students from selected universities, local high school students and teachers together to gain insight into the energy industry. For abstract submission, exhibition and sponsorship information please contact iptc@iptcnet. org or visit www.iptcnet.org/2014/kl.

Second EAGE SLT is ready to tour Asia Pacific in 2013-2014

W

e are delighted to present the Second EAGE Student Lecture Tour Asia Pacific (SLT AP 2013-2014). Prof Pham Huy Giao, associate professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok, Thailand, will begin his tour around the region presenting a three hour lecture on ‘Petrophysics of Fractured Reservoirs’. Dr Pham Huy Giao, associate professor since April 2006, was serving as assistant professor and coordinator of the Geosystem Exploration and Petroleum Geoengineering (GEPG) programme in AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET). Dr Giao’s research encompasses the areas of exploration and engineering geophysics, geotechnical engineering and computer-aided analysis in geo-engineering. EAGE invites university students and employees to attend the upcoming lectures that will be scheduled in several locations around the Asia Pacific region. Since the lecture tour is sponsored by the EAGE Student Fund, students may register for the lectures on a complimentary basis via the EAGE website. Details of the tour, dates, locations and registrations can be obtained from the calendar of events made available on the EAGE Students website at www.eage.org or contact students@eage.org for more information.

5

GEOSCIENCE COMMUNITY

Perth looks forward to hosting the 24th ASEG-PESA geoscience event in 2015

O

rganizers of the 24th ASEG-PESA International Geophysical Conference and Exhibition to be held in Perth, Western Australia on 15−18 February 2015 are hoping to emulate the success of this year’s event in Melbourne. Over 800 delegates from all over the world gathered for the 23rd conference and exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11−14 August. About 200 oral and 60 poster presentations were given during the three day technical sessions. Eighty-two exhibitors including EAGE filled 97 exhibition booths. There were also 19 pre- and post-conference workshops on a variety subjects and one excursion.

‘Geophysics and Geology together for Discovery’ is the conference theme. In Perth ASEG will once again partner with PESA with the conference organizing committee (COC) comprised of: Chris Wijns, co-chair, Minerals; Andrew Long, co-chair, Petroleum; Katherine McKenna (Sponsorship); Michael Lees (Exhibition); Mike Dentith (Technical papers, Minerals); Tim Dean (Technical papers, Petroleum); Ian James (Technical papers, Near Surface); Brian Wickins (Publicity); Tim Munday (Workshops); Amanda Carreno (Social Events); Adrian Noetzli (Students Coordinator); David Annetts, (editor, Conference CD). The conference theme is ‘Geophysics and Geology together for Discovery’. Case study papers

Don’t forget, it’s time to...

describing the process of discovery, the geology behind the geophysics, and pragmatic efforts to integrate geoscience data are particularly encouraged. Collectively, we all face growing challenges discovering non-renewable resources. Naturally, technical papers are also welcome. Student participation is particularly invited, and the COC is discussing various options to facilitate greater student attendance at ASEG-PESA 2015. Dedicated Facebook (www. facebook.com/ASEGPESA2015) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ASEGPESA2015) accounts have been built to encourage involvement and interest in the lead up to February 2015. For LinkedIn users, an ‘ASEG-PESA2015’ group is also available. And last but not least, organizers say they want ASEG-PESA 2015 to be fun! Summer in

Perth is a glorious time for being outdoors, including the Perth International Arts Festival (www.perthfestival.com.au/), countless sporting events, and various other cultural activities. Take a few additional days, hire a car, and see some of this expansive state. Swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, see the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie, and explore the magnificent winery regions of the Great South or the Swan Valley close to Perth. The COC is also exploring options to host the traditional Gala Dinner in an outdoor setting, embracing an informal but memorable event that will be fondly remembered for years to come. The Call for Papers is set to go out later this year, but sponsorship and exhibition opportunities can already be discussed. For all details, please check www.conference.aseg.org.au.

Japan symposium to focus on sustainability and security

T

he 11th SEGJ International Symposium to be held at Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel, Yokohama City on 18-21 November 2013 will have ‘Geophysics for Establishing Sustainable Secure Society’ as its main theme. The symposium will have eleven regular sessions which will include all aspects of geophysics. It will also include four special sessions on ‘Geophysics in Earthquake Studies’ and ‘Exploration Geophysics for Nuclear Power Station’. The full line of topics is: Sensors and Acquisition Technologies; Seismic/Geodetic Imaging Technologies; DC/EM Imaging Technologies; GPR Imaging Technologies; Gravity and Magnetics; Reservoir Characterization; Environmental and Engineering Applications; Mining Geophysics; Time-lapse/Monitoring; Imaging/Interpretation Case Studies; Marine Geophysics; Rock Physics; Geophysics in Earthquake Studies; and Exploration Geophysics for Nuclear Power Station. For more information, please visit www.segj.org/is/11th.

Renew your membership for 2014! Pay before 31 December 2013 and continue receiving all membership benefits. Visit our website for more information: www.eage.org

6

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

GEOSCIENCE COMMUNITY

Indonesia confirms E&P commitment

T

he Indonesian government has emphasized its commitment to provide support and infrastructure to all business players in the oil and gas industry, to increase exploration and production activities in the country. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 37th Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition, Susilo Siswoutomo, Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) said the government is really serious in supporting the industry. Susilo said: ‘The President has given instructions to the Ministry of ESDM and other related government institutions, during the opening ceremony of the 37th IPA Convex, to take necessary steps towards improving the investment climate in the country, including streamlining the bureaucracy process and we will follow the instructions. But, the industry needs to also make it happen. The industry has to work very hard to achieve the government’s target.’ Lukman Mahfoedz, president of the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), reiterated the important message from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono saying that the government acknowledged the needs from the industry on

Industry gathering at Convex event in Indonesia.

the clarity, consistency and certainty to support the enhancement of the exploration. One of the key takeaways during the plenary sessions was that the future global growth will gravitate towards Asia in terms of investment and consumption, with Indonesia as an emerging player. All trends point to the fact that global growth will centralize in Asia, including growth

SPG poised to chalk up 10th major convention

T

he 10th Biennial International Conference and Exposition ‘KOCHI–2013’ on 23−25 November is the next step forward in the successful series of major events hosted by SPG India. The convention held in Kochi, Kerala has emerged as an acknowledged industry event with the participation of globally renowned companies and E&P professionals to share and promote new thoughts and contemporary technological innovations in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The SPG Exposition will be an integral part of the convention. It aims to showcase the unique strengths of E&P companies, service providers, and professional societies to introduce and launch latest innovations, formulations, technologies and new processes in the ever expanding E&P world. The student’s participation in the convention is one of the features of the event. Young professionals and members of the student chapters, spread across the Indian sub-continent, get an opportunity to interact and observe world renowned professionals and leading industry names during the event. For participation details, go to: www.spgindia.org.

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

in population, global economy, energy demand and trade flow. Lukman said: ‘There is a global shift towards Asia in terms of consumption and investment, therefore, the trend highlights the urgent need for new policies and incentives to secure the country’s energy supply. This is a critical time to focus on key issues which includes long-term investment needed to boost the country’s oil and gas reserves, to ensure sustainability of future energy supply, especially in meeting the rising demand of energy.”

There is a global shift towards Asia in terms of consumption and investment. Bambang Istadi, chairman of this year’s Convex, stated that he was very pleased with the positive turn out this year. One of the achievements was a record number of participants, which included visitors, exhibitors, students, and journalists, totalling 16,128 people, or double last year’s Convex. Bambang said: ‘The number of registered participants grew significantly during the three-day convention to over 3200. This showed enthusiasm from the target audience and the general public to take part in the largest oil and gas event in the region, and is a reflection of the importance of the sector.’

7

WiBand™ GX Technology’s broadband processing yields ground truth.

Conventional Processing*

WiBand Processing*

*Data courtesy of Searcher Seismic

PROCESSING CENTERS: HOUSTON, DENVER, OKLAHOMA CITY, CALGARY, RIO DE JANEIRO, PORT OF SPAIN, LONDON, CAIRO, PORT HARCOURT, LUANDA, MOSCOW, BEIJING, DELHI (GURGAON), PERTH

GXT’s Patent Pending Broadband Answer for Streamer Data. WiBand processing technology provides increased frequency content on both the low and high ends of the spectrum through proprietary deghosting capabilities. This allows a broader spectrum to be recovered on data acquired using either conventional or deep tow streamers. Your result? Superior high resolution images that reflect the ground truth. For further evidence, visit iongeo.com/WiBand.

GX TECHNOLOGY

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Unconventional Reservoirs Challenging Environments →

Complex Geologies Basin Exploration Reservoir Exploitation

GEOSCIENCE COMMUNITY / INDUSTRY NEWS

Forum to share data on New Zealand’s 2014 licensing round

N

ew Zealand Petroleum & Minerals, in partnership with GNS Science, has launched ‘Advantage NZ: 2014 Geotechnical Petroleum Forum’, scheduled to take place from 1–3 April 2014 at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington. The event is aimed at providing an occasion for interaction and sharing of information between oil and gas professionals in government and industry. The new technical meeting will focus on subsurface geological, geophysical, geochemical and petrophysical elements of petroleum prospectivity in New Zealand. It will feature the release of new technical data and results of the latest research in the sector to support the anticipated launch of Block Offer 2014. Topics to be covered are intended to be of interest to new venture teams and multi-client companies who may be considering entry into New Zealand as well as exploration and development teams, research scientists, consultants and academics actively working in this region.

Wellington, New Zealand.

Registration for Advantage NZ 2014 is now open. Be an early bird! Register before 31 January 2014 and save $200 NZD on individual delegate tickets (pay $800 NZD instead of $1000

Schlumberger sets up reservoir laboratory in China chanical services to help customers improve hydrocarbon recovery and maximize production throughout the life of their reservoirs. The laboratory in Chengdu is designed to provide a complete suite of services from field core acquisition to laboratory measurements. Laboratory personnel and petrotechnical experts work in close collaboration with domain experts to deliver a seamless solution from initial data gathering through sample selection, rock testing, model calibration and interpretation. Cheng Xu, president, Schlumberger Chi-

Chengdu city view.

A

Schlumberger Reservoir Laboratory has opened in Chengdu, China. The 32,000 ft2 facility is the latest addition to the Schlumberger global network of reservoir laboratories. The laboratory offers an integrated suite of petrophysical and geome-

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

na, said: ‘We are pleased to be opening the Schlumberger Reservoir Laboratory in Chengdu to support the expanding exploration activity in unconventional shale plays in China. The establishment of the Schlumberger Reservoir Laboratory further supports our long-term commitment to our customers in China.’

ISSUE-2 2013

NZD). Group discounts are also available online, as well as special delegate rates at some of Wellington’s premier hotels. For more information, visit www.advantagenz.com.

CNOOC signs block agreement with Smart Oil

C

NOOC has signed a production sharing contract (PSC) with Smart Oil Investment (Smart Oil) for Block 05/31 in Bohai in the junction of Qikou Sag and Nanpu Sag of the West of Bohai. It covers a total area of 270 km2 with water depth ranging from 5−15 m. According to the terms of the PSC, Smart Oil will conduct 3D seismic data survey and drill exploration wells in the block during the exploration period, in which all expenditures incurred will be borne by Smart Oil. CNOOC has the right to participate in up to 51% working interest in any commercial discoveries in the block.

9

INDUSTRY NEWS

Mongolian seismic contract award

Indonesia poised to award shale gas licences but resource may prove challenging to develop

T Mongolian licensing blocks.

P

etro Matad says that Mongolian geophysical contracting company Khet has been awarded a contract for the acquisition of 200 km of 2D seismic on Blocks IV and V in Western Mongolia. Khet has previously been engaged by the company and acquired 2D seismic data for Petro Matad in 2011. The seismic survey is planned to commence around 1 October 2013 and is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. The seismic programme is designed to provide detailed coverage over two prospect areas identified from earlier seismic and is expected to confirm at least two locations for drilling in 2014. Exploration director Ridvan Karpuz said: ‘The geology of Western Mongolia is similar to that found in the Junggar and Turpan basins of China to the south, both of which are prolific hydrocarbon production areas. To date there has been no drilling in the similar basins in Mongolia. The seismic survey is designed to define targets for a potential drilling campaign in 2014 and is an exciting step.’ The company recently announced the start of a process to find a strategic partner to progress exploration activities on its PSCs in Mongolia. The technical information made available on Blocks IV, V and XX has now been reviewed by a number of international oil and gas companies, and discussions are ongoing with certain of these companies. Whilst there is no certainty as to the outcome of this process the seismic programme outlined above for Blocks IV and V is in line with the continuing discussions. Petro Matad is also considering a number of options for returning to drilling in Block XX in 2014.

10

he Indonesian government is planning to auction two shale gas blocks by the end of this year as part of its long-term project of developing unconventional hydrocarbon resources across the archipelago. Hendra Fadly, director, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry for upstream oil and gas, says his office is now evaluating the two blocks, Kisaran in North Sumatra and West Tanjung in South Kalimantan, before putting them up for auction. In May this year, state-owned oil and gas corporation Pertamina was awarded the country’s first shale gas project, the Sumbagut block in North Sumatra. The company has committed to spending $7.8 billion to explore the Sumbagut block, aiming to produce around 40 million mmscfd to 100 mmscfd from the project by 2020. Last year, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry estimated the shale gas resources in the country – Sumatra, Kalimantan, Papua and Java – would reach around 574 tcf. Shale gas resources in the country, according to the Ministry’s data, surpass unconventional coal bed

methane (CBM) potential resources of around 453.3 tcf and conventional natural gas of around 153 tcf. Sumatra supposedly has the largest shale gas reserves of around 233 tcf, particularly in the central region, where approx 86.9 tcf of shale gas resources could be found, according to the ministry’s geological bureau. Kalimantan had an estimated 194 tcf of shale gas reserves, followed by Papua Island (90 tcf) and Java Island (48 tcf), while the remaining 9 tcf was spread across other parts of the archipelago. The lack of technology, land acquisition problems and overlapping permits may hinder the nation’s effort in developing its potential shale gas resource, according to Andang Bachtiar, Indonesian Geologist Association (IAGI) advisory board member. ‘Indonesia has the [shale gas] potential particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The real problem is not in the potential but more in technology for the fracturing method, if we do not use the right technology, we will most likely pollute groundwater.’

Two vessels for pre-monsoon season survey off Malaysia

P

ETRONAS has awarded CGG a contract to acquire and process a 10,000 km2 3D seismic survey programme offshore Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia using CGG’s BroadSeis broadband marine solution. Two vessels are being deployed to ensure the programme is completed before the onset of the monsoon season. The survey started in August and is due to last five months.  The survey dataset will be processed in CGG’s Kuala Lumpur data centre. For the survey the Viking Vision and Geowave Voyager are deploying 12 x 100 x 8100 m and 8 x 100 x 8100 m spreads respectively in a BroadSeis configuration using steerable Sercel CGG's CEO Jean-Georges Sentinel solid streamers equipped with Nautilus streamer conMalcor. trol devices. Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO, CGG, said: ‘CGG is recognized as having a very strong track record of broadband acquisition and our BroadSeis solution continues to demonstrate its versatility as seen on a recent successful survey in shallow waters in Vietnam.’

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Surprise find in Indonesian oil field

M

irach Energy unexpectedly uncovered a new untapped oil zone at the Indonesian Kampung Minyak oil field as it drilled deeper at the KM-607 infill well, which was spudded on 9 August 2013. The zone is below the old production oil layer. As a result of the surprisingly high pressure experienced at the depth of 448 m when the drill rig Daqing-121 cut vertically down, precautionary measures had to be introduced immediately to manage the pressure. The pressure control enabled the team to drill a further 30 m down for confirmation before ending the drilling at 475 m. Well logs have confirmed a net pay interval in the Air Benakat Formation of 2 m. The success of KM-607 confirms the opportunity to add a considerable amount of reserves and increase oil production across the field. The Daqing-121 rig was due to be mobilized to drill another new infill well at KM-611, which is located at a short distance west of KM-607 and sits on the same formation as KM-607. With the strong results shown in the newly uncovered oil zone, the company intends to apply to Pertamina EP to drill new wells deeper than 1000 m to confirm the other potential pay zones that it has identified.

ONGC awarded two blocks in Myanmar licensing

I

ndia’s ONGC Videsh has been awarded the B2 (ZebyutaungNandaw) and EP-3 (ThegonShwegu) onshore blocks in the 2013 Myanmar Onshore Bidding Round. The 16,995 km2 Block B-2 is located in Northern Myanmar bordering the state of Manipur in India and the 1650 km2 Block EP-3 is in Central Myanmar. Production offshore Earlier, the Myanmar government Myanmar. announced the 2013 licensing round of 18 blocks last January. ONGC Videsh was one of the seven Indian companies shortlisted as pre-qualified bidders. The company has a decade-old presence in the E&P sector of Myanmar with 17% non-operating stakes in the Shwe & Shwe Phyu (Block –A1) and Mya North & Mya South (Block A3) fields. ONGC Videsh regards Myanmar as one of its focus countries.

ION’s GXT open for processing business in Perth

I

ON Geophysical has opened a GX Technology (GXT) seismic data processing centre in Perth, to serve the needs of oil and gas companies in Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The new centre is staffed with geoscientists with regional expertise and offers a full range of leading seismic imaging services and technologies, including depth imaging and ION’s patent-pending WiBand broadband processing technology. Economic growth in Asia Pacific is driving the need for a dependable energy supply in the region, prompting industry experts to predict an estimated 20% year-over-year growth in E&P capex expenditure in 2013. In 2012 alone, there were 13 offshore discoveries in the area. Australia is experiencing an oil and gas exploration industry boom, driven by the massive resources of its Northwest Shelf, and also by the significant potential for unconventional hydrocarbon reserves. Chris Usher, executive vice president and chief operating officer of ION’s GeoScience division, said: ‘With the opening of this new centre, our 13th around the world, we continue to expand

our footprint into global E&P hotspots. The Australian northwest shelf is in transition from an exploration to development phase. Production from these fields will continue for decades, and

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

Perth, Western Australia.

the challenge will be to monitor and manage field development for optimum recovery. We found that our customers operating there have been under-served in terms of high-end, quality seismic imaging, and we are pleased to open this centre

known as WestraliaSPAN. With our full spectrum of geophysical services and knowledgeable staff, ION is well positioned to help E&P companies minimize risk and maximize their assets throughout the exploration and development cycles, for

with material backlog.’ Kelly Beauglehole, centre’s managing director, said: ‘We have seen a tremendous demand in the region for advanced imaging services, including pre-stack depth imaging, and high-quality seismic data, including our recently acquired 11,500 km 2D survey of Australia’s northwest shelf,

both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reserves in Australia.” Rob Kneale, geophysics manager, Apache Energy, said: ‘Apache is pleased to see GXT open an office in Perth, which will combine experienced local staff with GXT’s impressive imaging algorithms and workflows.’

ISSUE-2 2013

11

INDUSTRY NEWS

CGG completes first broadband survey offshore Australia

Lundin’s first Malaysian project approved

C

L

GG recently completed conducting its first BroadSeis-BroadSource survey in Australia of this year. The ‘Sandman’ deepwater broadband survey on the Northwest Australian shelf was awarded to CGG by Shell. The 2810-km2 3D BroadSeis survey was acquired by the Viking Vision towing a 12 x 100 x 6000 m spread of steerable Sercel Sentinel CGG’s Viking Vision. solid streamers and equipped with BroadSource, the company’s proprietary broadband marine seismic source. The survey data set is currently being processed in CGG’s Singapore subsurface imaging centre and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO, CGG, said: ‘The Sandman survey, acquired successfully using both BroadSeis and BroadSource, is a first globally for Shell and we are confident that it will help unlock the considerable E&P potential of such an important region as the Northwest shelf of Australia.’

undin Petroleum has received approval from PETRONAS for the Bertam Field development plan, the company’s first project operated in Malaysia. The Bertam field is located in Block PM307, offshore Peninsular Malaysia with Lundin as operator and a 75% working interest along with PETRONAS Carigali holding the remaining 25% working interest. The field will be developed using a 20 slot wellhead platform adjacent to a spread moored FPSO in a water depth of 76 m. The subsurface development concept consists of 14 horizontal wells completed with (ESPs). The total gross capital investment associated with the Bertam field development, excluding any FPSO related costs, is estimated at approximately $400 million.

Calendar of events in your region October 2013 28-30 October 2013 EAGE • Workshop on Seismic Attenuation

23-25 November 2013 SPG India • 10th Biennial International Conference & Exposition Kochi, India | www.spgindia.org

Singapore, Singapore | www.eage.org

November 2013 14-15 November 2013 EAGE • Short Course on “Understanding Seismic Anisotropy in Exploration and Exploitation: Hands On” by Leon Thomsen Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.eage.org

18-20 November 2013 SEGJ • 11th SEGJ International Symposium Yokohama, Japan | www.segj.org

November 2013 - April 2014 EAGE Asia Pacific Student Lecture Tour “Petrophysics of Fractured Reservoirs” by Prof Pham Huy Giao

April 2014 1-3 April 2014 New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals/ GNS Science • Advantage NZ: 2014 Geotechnical Petroleum Forum Wellington, New Zealand | www.advantagenz.com

Tours selected universities in Indonesia, Malaysia,

April 2014 EAGE/SPG • Workshop on Broadband Seismic

Myanmar, Phillippines, Thailand & Vietnam

Mumbai, India | www.eage.org

February 2014

June 2014

17-18 February 2014 EAGE/FESM • Joint Regional Conference Petrophysics Meets Geoscience From Nano Pores to Mega Structures Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.eage.org

March 2014 31 March - 2 April 2014 EAGE • Workshop on Integrated Interpretation of Seismic, EM and Geochemical Data

16-19 June 2014 EAGE • Amsterdam 2014 76th EAGE Conference & Exhibition 2014 Amsterdam, Netherlands | www.eage.org

December 2014 10-12 December 2014 EAGE/AAPG/SEG/SPE • 8th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC 2014) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.iptcnet.org

Singapore, Singapore | www.eage.org

12

EAGE NEWSLETTER ASIA PACIFIC

ISSUE-2 2013